The last boat I owned/sailed was an RS600 (with a limited amount of success, admittedly!). Loved the performance and thrills but got frustrated by the boat quite a bit.

I'd like something with that level off performance but a bit more friendly than the 600. I'm 31 and about 90kg and in good shape, planning to be sailing inland most of the time...what boats would you guys recommend looking at?

I've just noticed that Whitstable takes about the same time give or take so could consider there too if there's something that needs a bit more space!

As Jim has mentioned the 'dreaded' Aero I will plug the D-Zero and at 90KG you are well in the weight range that has shown to be competitive across the wind range. Quick enough on open water and nimble enough on the smaller gravel pits. Drop me a PM if you would like to know more or get a test sail.

I'm 75kg and bought a Spice 9 years ago (at 55 years old) for my 'return-to-dinghies' from Raceboards boat. Lack of regular crew led me to buy a Blaze last autumn and I'm loving it, quite manageable and (I think) competitive inland but better suited to open water.

I'd agree with that. The Blaze tacks relatively slowly so tacking on every shift on a small inland puddle isnt really an option. Much better on more open water though and sheet loads are now a lot lower with aft sheeting.

Was originally thinking a 300 or a Finn but like the idea of being able to trapeze...How does the stability of a Contender compare with that of a 600?

Yeah a handful to start with, but you said you were fit and when you get it then all those others will just seem dull 

Both have more form stability than a 600 and on that basis are more user friendly, although I don't think a 600 is that difficult once you've learnt to react to it.

The other options being suggested are much more user friendly though
 

I think that he was saying both in form and dynamic stability. 

From memory the MPS was a little less of a soap dish at the back so I expect there's slightly more stability from that.

I think maybe a sensible route back in my be a non-trapeze boat to get me used to being in a boat instead of a windsurf board and then move to a Contender or MPS as I get comfortable.

[shudder]that'll be a short return to sailing after a RS600 then...[/shudder]

Echo Neptune - MPS is easier to sail than the 600, obviously there's a bit more going on on the corners, and you can't jessie gybe around the marks in windy weather like you could on 600, not without dropping the kite.  They're great fun with a fantastic class association, but a 300 might offer a easier re-entry into sailing, especially if you can't commit to regularly sailing week-in, week-out through the initial learning curve, nor are looking to make use of the circuit.    

Graeme- the fact that the Contender (970) can live with you in an EPS (1030) in light winds, isn't exactly an accolade mate.....  they suck in light winds, even the guys at the zephyr Oxford Blue a couple of years ago agreed.... they were getting ghosted by kids in Aero 5s at the time.   They're a fantastic sea boat, or on short chop big lakes / inland waters with wind (Medemblik, Garda etc), but they're rarely in their element inland in Blighty.     

- go to the coast if possible, inland should be for winters only if < 60 minutes from a sea club

- Contenders are TOO heavy, agreed 100%; but try telling that to rest of the International Class with their vested interests....

 

I am often surprised at the suggested helm weights needed for classes, I'd have thought 90kg is adequate for all the bigger single handers. Ultimate upwind speed in big wind yes weight pays but there are plenty of other aspects to our game than pure grunt n power.